Anyone have no-navigation remorse?
#1
Anyone have no-navigation remorse?
Goodmorning everyone. Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Chris and I've been secretly lurking this forum for a couple of weeks now. I am contemplating pulling the trigger on a leftover 2013 GP. There are several available in the Northeast and since a pretty aggressive lease was introduced, the monthly payment ends up being super reasonable. I guess my question to you guys might be shallow but does anyone here regret not having navigation? Every car I've had since 2006 has had navigation and this would be my first one without it. I love the interface of the new nav display and personally it stinks that it isn't available in the GP. Any feedback would be kindly appreciated. I'm actually headed out to test drive one now! Thanks in advance!
#3
We picked up our JCW last month and can absolutely say - no regrets. I barely turn on the radio because I'm listening to the engine sounds (husband taught me well) and I'm not one for visual distractions. If need be, we have a Garmin or iPhone nav apps. Now my husband on the other hand loves a good sound system. That's the only thing he felt was missing in the GP. We were thinking about becoming a two MINI family until he nixed the idea (dating myself here) because of the base radio . . . he didn't want to drop another couple of grand into sound. Other than that, the GP is put together beautifully and handles like a dream. Good luck with it if you decide to take it home.
#4
We've not had Nav on all 6 of our MINIs, we use TomTom on the iPhone for our Nav. We hired a MINI which had Nav and I prefered to use the iPhone instead of the built in Nav. The built in has a lot clunkier user interface compared to the iPhone which is integrated with my address book. I can also take the iPhone away and plot route in the comfort of my living room, or hotel room.
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#8
Forget getting factory NAV. Invest instead in a standalone GPS unit that:
1) will cost you much less than MINI factory NAV;
2) is much easier to use;
3) is infinitely easier to update;and
4) can actually be placed in line of sight so that you don't have to take you eyes of the road as much.
Or use one of the great smartphone NAV apps that are out there - just make sure that you have a car charger for the phone since these apps are power hungry and will drain your battery quickly. I use Waze for urban navigation since its traffic tracking ability is better than what is offered by my GPS.
1) will cost you much less than MINI factory NAV;
2) is much easier to use;
3) is infinitely easier to update;and
4) can actually be placed in line of sight so that you don't have to take you eyes of the road as much.
Or use one of the great smartphone NAV apps that are out there - just make sure that you have a car charger for the phone since these apps are power hungry and will drain your battery quickly. I use Waze for urban navigation since its traffic tracking ability is better than what is offered by my GPS.
#9
Over the years, car magazines have stated that a built-in navigation system is a waste of money. I agree with this for several reasons. First, a portable system can be taken from one car to another. I have the Garmin app on my iPhone. If we take my wife's car or if I have a loaner or rental, the phone (and the nav system) goes with me. This also helps when riding in friends' cars. Second, if I trade my car in, I still have the nav device. Third, I can continually update my Garmin app. In-car nav systems can be updated, but it is often expensive. Also, they do reach a point where they are no longer upgradeable. I can easily upgrade my iPhone and nav app for much less than the cost of a new built-in nav system.
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Strange... I'm on highway a lot and I've got not clue why cruise control exists.
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another vote for iPhone and Google Maps (although if you travel frequently to remote areas this solution isn't a good one)
Cruise control - this is my first car in about 20 years without cruise. So far no issues, we'll see on my first long trip.
I will say that not having cruise makes me more involved in driving.
Cruise control - this is my first car in about 20 years without cruise. So far no issues, we'll see on my first long trip.
I will say that not having cruise makes me more involved in driving.
#22
I have the factory NAV and guarantee to you that it is a waste of money as well as time and effort. Even the "up to date" maps are NOT up to date. Major construction projects that ended years ago are not included. Updating is nearly impossible. The USB route is cheapest and yet they have "no idea when we can get it to you"--I've been waiting 2 months. The dealerships want to charge you labor on top of the $225 map/code fee.
I truly REGRET buying the NAV and would not consider it again on a Mini/BMW.
Brian
I truly REGRET buying the NAV and would not consider it again on a Mini/BMW.
Brian
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